Carnation plant named CFPC Grenada

ABSTRACT

A new carnation of red coloration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of carnationplant which was originated by me in a controlled breeding program by mycrossing as seed and pollen parents, the variety known as `Etna`(varietal denomination `Lonsoury`) and as pollen parent, the varietyknown as `Rony` (varietal denomination `Aroni`). The varietaldenomination of this new carnation is `CFPC Grenada`.

Among the novel combination of characteristics possessed by the newvariety which distinguishes `CFPC Grenada` are attractive red flowercoloring, superior resistance to soil born diseases such as Fusariumoxysporium and F. roseum and root-rot, and satisfactory floweringresponse. Flowers of the new variety are produced as spray-type bloomswhich open fully without bursting the calyx and causing "splits", on avery vigorous plant with strong, straight sprays.

`CFPC Grenada` differs from its seed parent `Lonsoury` in having a lessserrated petal edge, a darker red, less scarlet flower coloration and inbeing 4 to 5 weeks faster to flower from the same planting date. The newvariety is also 5 to 6-inches shorter and averages 2 to 3 more breaksper plant after pinching.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by side shoot cuttings of the newvariety as performed in Fremont and Salinas, Calif., shows that theforegoing and other distinguishing characteristics come true to form andare established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.Although propagation by side shoot cuttings is described, other knownmethods of asexual reproduction may also be used to reproduce `CFPCGrenada`.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of developmentand depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake the same in a color illustration of this character.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.C.C.). The terminology used in the color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Colordesignations and color descriptions may deviate slightly from the statedvalues from flowering-to-flowering depending upon varying environmental,seasonal and cultural conditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Fremont and Salinas, Calif. The heightof plant and flower and foliage size are established as an average usingstandard commercial cultural practices.

Name: `CFPC Grenada`.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.--Carnation, spray type.

Parentage:

Female parent.--`Etna`.

Male parent.--`Rony`.

Plant:

Height.--About 36 inches.

Growing habit.--Herbaceous, semi-upright.

Blooming habit.--Terminal as a spray.

Blooming season.--Year round.

Rooting time.--About 16-17 days.

Mutation prone.--Does not appear to be.

Disease resistance.--Improved resistance to Fusarium species and watermolds.

Temperature tolerance.--Wide range for carnation.

Breaking action.--Average.

Foliage:

Color.--Upper side: Near to 143A. Lower side: Near to 143C.

Size.--About 5-inches long, about 1/2-inch wide, at base of plant.

Quantity.--Numerous.

Shape.--Lanceolate.

Texture.--Smooth.

Ribs.--Central, keeled.

Arrangement.--Bi-lateral along stem.

Stem color.--Green.

Bud:

Shape.--Oval.

Color.--Green.

Length.--About 3/4 inch.

Diameter.--About 1/2 inch.

Calyx:

Number of lobes (sepals).--Usually 6.

Length.--About 1-inch.

Width.--About 1/2-inch.

Color.--Outside -- near to 143A. Inside -- near to 142D.

Bloom:

Shape.--Round.

Size.--Diameter average: About 21/2 inches. Depth average: About 11/2inches.

Borne.--Terminal as a spray.

Color.--General tonality: Dark red. Upper side: Near to from 45A to 46B.Lower side: Near to 45C. Center: Near to from 45A to 46B. Outer petals:Near to from 45A to 46B.

Keeping quality.--Good.

Fragrance.--None to slight.

Permanence.--Dry up on receptacle.

Petals:

Number.--About 39.

Outer petals.--Length: About 2-inches. Width: About 1-inch.

Central petals.--Length: About 1-inch. Width: About 1/2-inch.

Texture.--Smooth.

Form.--Fan shaped.

Appearance.--Shiny smooth edge.

Reproductive organs: Not visible in this variety.

Stamens.--Number: About 9 to 12. Arrangement: Around the ovary.

Anthers.--Length: About 3/8-inch. Color: Near to 160C.

Filaments.--Length: About 2/3-inch. Color: Near to 161B.

Pistil.--Number: About 2 to 3. Color: White.

Stigma.--Number: About 2 to 3. Color: White.

Ovary.--Shape: Conical, ribbed. Color: Base -- greenish white. Body --greenish yellow. Apex -- tan.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of carnation plant, substantiallyas shown and described.